Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/ USA Today Sports
By SBI SOCCER
For the time being, the San Jose Earthquakes are above the red line.
A Chris Wondolowski equalizer earned the Earthquakes a 1-1 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps Saturday at Avaya Stadium.
With the point, the Quakes leapfrog the Portland Timbers into sixth place in the Western Conference, although the former have played an extra game. The Whitecaps, meanwhile, remain second in the West, just one point behind the LA Galaxy.
Wondolowski’s leveler came in the 62nd minute as the Earthquakes forward buried a rebound from close range.
Darting down the right side, Cordell Cato fired an effort on goal, but straight at David Ousted. The Whitecaps goalkeeper uncharacteristically failed to control, dropping the ball straight into the path of Wondolowski, who smashed his shot into the back of the net.
The Quakes forward’s effort canceled out a 39th minute finish from Cristian Techera.
Following a misplaced clearance in the Earthquake box, Techera found the ball at his feet. Dribbling around a pair of sliding defenders, Techera fired a shot that was deflected into the air and into the back of the net, giving the Whitecaps the first half lead.
The Whitecaps had chances to increase that lead and forced David Bingham into making four saves on the evening. Yet it was not to be, as the Whitecaps had to settle for just one point due to Wondolowski’s leveler.
Following the draw, the Earthquakes return to action October 16 against Sporting KC at Avaya Stadium, while host FC Dallas on Wednesday.
Quakes might play ugly football but at least they can score goals.
Quakes midfield was really thin with Alashe, Pelosi and MPG out. If JJ Koval is starting in the center with Salinas and Cato on the flanks, you’re going to see mind numbing ugliness. If the Quakes could actually get their first choice 11 on you would see a decent team.
Koval has regressed since last year. I don’t know why. San Jose is at its best with Godoy and Alashe in the central midfield. How long has it been since they started together.
One thing is certain, without Bingham in goal, San Jose wouldn’t have a hope of being in the playoffs. He’s been making saves all season that Jon Busch couldn’t have gotten near.
Yep, agree on all points. Bings has really come into form. He looked nervy in the early part of the season…communication issues when coming out of goal,, especially with Bernardez. He’s made some massive saves over the last couple months.
Can’t wait to see what Kinnear does with the roster after the season. Hopefully he adds 4-5 quality players next season and dumps some of the Doyle deadwood that he couldn’t get rid of this season. Quakes need to add another quality CB and outside back…hopefully a true quality target forward, assuming Lenny is done… and a savvy flank mid attacker. Might even take him an additional season to have a full roster of players he’s truly excited about.
You can rarely fault the quakes for effort, but they play an awfully simple brand of football. I don’t feel like they really deserve to be in playoffs this year.
I’m not sure what you mean by “simple”. They still try to use width and cross the ball into the box, the problem is twofold. They don’t cross all that well and they don’t have any height. If they make the playoffs they deserve to be there. The team who’s presence I would question is Portland. If you have a negative goal differential should you be allowed in the playoffs?